The Stylistics – Rockin' Roll Baby

Catalog #: AV-11010  |  Side A Matrix: AV-11010-S1

About the Artist

The Stylistics are one of the defining acts of Philadelphia soul, formed in 1968 from the merger of two Philadelphia vocal groups. The quintet — anchored by the soaring falsetto of Russell Thompkins Jr. — became synonymous with lush, orchestrated ballads and smooth uptempo grooves throughout the early 1970s. Working with the legendary production and songwriting team of Thom Bell and Linda Creed at Avco Records, the group crafted a string of Top 10 R&B and pop hits that remain touchstones of the classic soul era. Their silky harmonies, sophisticated string arrangements, and Thompkins' otherworldly vocal range set them apart from their contemporaries and earned them a devoted international following — particularly in the UK, where they achieved massive chart success.

About the Album

Rockin' Roll Baby (1973, Avco Records) captures the Stylistics at the peak of their commercial and artistic powers. Produced by the incomparable Thom Bell, the album is a masterclass in Philly soul production — warm, layered, and meticulously arranged. The title track became a Top 20 pop hit and a #3 R&B smash, showcasing the group's ability to blend playful energy with their signature elegance. The album balances uptempo dancers with the tender ballads the group was beloved for, making it one of their most well-rounded and accessible records. It stands as a key document in the golden age of Philadelphia International-adjacent soul.

Track Highlights

• "Rockin' Roll Baby" – The irresistible title track; a buoyant, horn-driven groove with Thompkins' falsetto riding high. A genuine dancefloor classic and radio staple of its era.
• "You Make Me Feel Brand New" – Perhaps the group's most beloved ballad, and one of the great soul recordings of the 1970s. Co-written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a timeless standard.
• "I'm Stone in Love with You" – A lush, sweeping ballad previously featured on their Round 2 album; included here in its full orchestral glory.
• "Sing Baby Sing" – An uptempo charmer that highlights the group's vocal interplay and Bell's gift for infectious pop-soul hooks.
• "Heavy Fallin' Out" – A deeper cut that showcases the group's range, blending melancholy lyrics with a sophisticated mid-tempo arrangement.

Record Condition

This copy has been carefully cleaned using a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new anti-static inner sleeve. The vinyl presents minor surface scuffs visible under direct light, but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips, pops, or groove damage. A solid VG+ player.

Jacket Condition

The jacket is in fair condition and shows its age — stickers and writing are present as shown in photos. Please review all images carefully before purchasing. The jacket is priced and graded accordingly.

What's Included

• Vinyl LP record (cleaned, new inner sleeve)
• Original album jacket (fair condition — see photos)

All records are graded visually and by playback. Photos are of the actual item. Ships carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery.